9 Norwin High School students allowed to attend prom at last minute

A last-minute change is a welcomed relief for nine students told by the Norwin School District that they couldn’t attend prom because they weren’t vaccinated against chickenpox, but for many, this is only one small victory.

On Thursday, 33 Norwin High School students were told they wouldn't be able to participate in prom, the last day of school and graduation because they weren't vaccinated against chickenpox, or failed to provide a vaccination record.

For the 33 students not vaccinated, there is a 21-day incubation period. That means no classes and no extracurricular activities. The original period ended May 28, including prom (May 10) and graduation (May 24).

But Friday afternoon a late change came about, allowing those students to attend prom.The school district explained in a statement that “the District administration and school nurse, who were in constant contact with The Pennsylvania Department of Health, was provided with a revised incubation period for the chickenpox virus by the Pennsylvania Department of Health."

The revised period starts May 12 and ends May 25. “Even though the date has been revised, which in turn allowed students to attend the prom, students still who have not been immunized will not be permitted in school on Monday, May 13," the district said.

Kayla Boscia, a senior, never had the chickenpox vaccine. "Twenty hours before the biggest dance ever and it just so happened they told me I was no longer allowed to go," she said.

A letter from the district spelled out the details, citing the Pennsylvania Department of Health as the reason for the regulations. The department stated this is a “strong recommendation” and not a mandate. It said the district ultimately has the final decision.

Superintendent Dr. William Kerr said the district made the best decision in the interest of the student body.

There are two ways the students could attend and return to school. Students and parents have the option to get a blood test, which proves immunity to the disease, or to get the vaccination before May 12.

"I went to the health clinic and got blood tests done to show they're immune to it or they've been subjected to it in some way, which takes 48 hours to four days to get those back," said Lisa Grudowski, a parent to a sophomore and a senior.

One parent spent a combined $1,700 for her two children to attend prom. The district initially said it will reimburse the students the cost of their tickets, $125 per couple.

Marissa Huss, a senior, helped to plan prom and graduation, and she is scheduled to speak at graduation. After receiving word at 1 p.m. Thursday that she couldn't attend the prom she planned, her mother took her to get a vaccination. "I felt that I had no other option," said Huss.

District policy exempts students from the requirements for vaccines if there are religious or medical reasons, but Norwin said the state's regulations trump all of that.

The district also said it will handle arrangements for students to finish classwork and take final exams.

Nine students were affected by the "no prom" regulation. As of Friday afternoon, the district said 19 of the 33 affected students either got the vaccine or provided proof of immunity. That leaves 14 students who will not return to school Monday.

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